New Renault Duster Revealed – How Does it Compare with Hyundai Creta?

Renault has unveiled the new Duster which will make its India debut in the second half of 2025 as we compare it with the segment leader, Hyundai Creta. Duster is essentially the SUV which created the mid-size SUV category in India back in 2012. It remained a popular product for a few years thereafter. That is when the competition in this segment grew. Finally, due to low sales and strict emission norms, the Duster was discontinued. Today, there are multiple SUVs in this category including the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and MG Astor. The question remains, how well will the new Duster compare with these?

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New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Specs Comparison

New Renault Duster

In the international markets, the Dacia version was showcased at the end of last year. Therefore, we know that it had the option of choosing from three different powertrains. These include a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid engine with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery which allows the SUV to run on pure electric mode for 80% of city driving. This engine pairs with an automatic transmission. In addition, there is also a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol mill which generates 130 hp. It couples with a 48 V starter motor. Finally, some markets also get a 1.0-litre petrol LPG engine for low running costs. It also gets terrain modes – Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco. It gets 217 mm of ground clearance. We are not certain which version will make it to our shores.

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Hyundai Creta

The Creta provides a variety of engine choices, including a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel engine, and a newly introduced 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine borrowed from the latest Verna model. These engines offer different power and torque outputs – 115 PS / 144 Nm, 115 PS / 250 Nm, and 160 PS / 253 Nm, respectively. Depending on the selected variant, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, IVT (CVT automatic), or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. ARAI mileage ratings are 17.4 km/l for the petrol manual, 21.8 km/l for the diesel manual, and 18.4 km/l for the turbo petrol DCT. Additionally, an electric version of the Creta is also in the works.

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New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Design Comparison

New Renault Duster

The new Duster boasts plenty of modern-day styling elements in its exterior. The front fascia is quite aggressive with the ‘Renault’ lettering on the grille, LED DRLs integrated inside the LED headlamp cluster, a rugged skid plate with fog lamps, a sporty bumper and vertical inserts on the edges of the bumper. The side profile consists of adventurous wheel arches filled with elegant 18-inch alloy wheels, handy roof rails, black B and C pillars and side skirting. At the rear, there are LED taillamps, a unique roof-mounted spoiler and a sturdy skid plate on a solid bumper. All in all, the new Duster looks butch and modern.

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Hyundai Creta

On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta facelift undergoes a significant design transformation compared to its predecessor. The front end reveals a sleek LED light bar that seamlessly blends with stylish LED DRLs on both sides. Adding to the frontal appeal is a large grille with distinct features and quad-LED headlamps on each side. Noteworthy additions to the new model include sturdy skid plates and a sporty bumper for extra style. On the sides, adventurous skirtings and a fresh set of alloy wheels enhance its dynamic look. Moving to the back, a connected LED taillamp unit with a unique design steals the show, accompanied by a robust skid plate. Other features include a high-mount stop lamp, a shark fin antenna, and a roof-mounted spoiler equipped with roof rails.

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Interior and Features

The interior of the new Duster is fresh too. This includes things like a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a double layer dashboard, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, an Arkamys 3D sound system with 6 speakers, ADAS for enhanced active safety prowess, and much more. In essence, the SUV will offer all sorts of latest tech, connectivity and convenience functionalities.

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On the other hand, Creta is one of the most feature-packed products in the segment. These include a 10.25-inch Connected Supersceen Infotainment Screen with a Digital Instrument Cluster, 64-colour Ambient Lighting with a touch-based AC Controller Unit, Half Vent – Half Crystal Polished Passenger-side Dashboard, a New Gear Shifter Design, a Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof, a Level 2 ADAS Active Safety – Hyundai SmartSense with 19 features, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and 360-Degree Camera, Ventilated Front Seats, 8-Way Powered Driver’s Seat and more.

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Author’s Note

Now both these SUVs have their distinct attractions. The Creta is the highest-selling mid-size SUV in our market. In its new iteration, there are all sorts of modern and tech amenities to pamper the occupants. On the other hand, not every detail is clear on the new Renault Duster. From what we know, even it promises to be a versatile SUV with multiple engine and transmission options along with a contemporary cabin and features. We shall have to wait for more official details on the Duster.